The 3D and Virtual reality (VR) are fascinating technologies that transform our way of working, playing and learning. Immersive video games, virtual tours, professional training or cinema in relief: their use is democratised in all fields. But behind the "wahou" effect are also some health and welfare risks, still too often unknown. Visual fatigue, disorientation, balance disorders... so many side effects that can impact the user if it is not sufficiently informed. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the potential dangers associated with these immersive technologies and the precautions to be taken.
Visual fatigue and eye disorders
One of the main side effects associated with 3D and RV is the visual fatigue. Watching images in relief for a long time or a screen placed a few centimetres from the eyes strongly solicits eye muscles.
Users may feel headache, blurred vision, dry eyes or increased sensitivity to light. These symptoms are related to the phenomenon called conflict convergence-accommodation : the eyes converge towards a virtual point, but must at the same time accommodate on a nearby screen. This discordance can quickly wear out the visual system.
In the long term, there is still no evidence of irreversible impact, but experts recommend that limiting meetings and take regular breaks to rest your eyes.
Disorientation and balance disorders
Immersion in a virtual environment can result in a phenomenon called Cybersickness, comparable to the evil of transport. The brain receives conflicting information between the sight (fast movements in the game) and the inner ear (immobile body).
Symptoms include: nausea, dizziness, cold sweat and a feeling of imbalance. These inconveniences can last several minutes or even hours after use.
In some people, especially children and individuals with sea sickness or dizziness, these effects occur more quickly. It is therefore advisable to adapt the duration of sessions depending on the sensitivity of each person.
Risks to children and adolescents
Manufacturers of VR helmets such as Oculus or PlayStation generally do not recommend their use to children under 12 or 13 years of age. Indeed, their visual system is still developing, and excessive use could disrupt accommodation and depth perception.
In addition, young people often find it more difficult to manage the border between virtual and real, which can increase the risk of addiction, sleep disorders or social isolation.
Parents must therefore remain vigilant, guide use and limit the time spent in virtual environments for their children.
Physical incidents related to immersion
Virtual reality plunges the user into a world where he often loses consciousness of his physical environment. Many casesdomestic accidents have already been reported: falls, collisions with furniture, injuries by handling handles.
It is recommended that VR be used in an open space, without obstacles, and that a VR system be set up. Security zone proposed by most helmets. This reduces the risk of injury related to loss of markers.
Psychological risks
Intense immersion can also have effects on the mind. Some people report a feeling of depersonalisation, i.e. the difficulty of distinguishing reality from simulation, especially after long and repeated sessions.
RV can also cause increased anxiety, especially in very realistic games or experiences. Conversely, some people may feel a form of dependency to these virtual universes, preferring the digital world to the real daily.
Precautions to limit hazards
Good news: the majority of these risks can be avoided or reduced by a few simple precautions.
- Limit exposure time Prefer short sessions (20-30 minutes) interspersed with breaks.
- Set your helmet well : Adjust the interspupillary gap and sharpness to reduce eye fatigue.
- Create a secure space : Play in an open room, without dangerous objects nearby.
- Listen to his body In case of dizziness, nausea or fatigue, it is better to stop immediately.
- Provide guidance for use in children : to comply with age recommendations and limit the time of use.
Enjoy 3D and VR safely
The 3D and virtual reality open up incredible perspectives in the world of entertainment, training or even health. But, like any technological innovation, there are risks that should not be overlooked. Eye fatigue, disorientation, physical accidents or psychological effects are very real dangers.
However, this does not mean that it should be deprived. By adopting good practices and keeping in mind its sensations, it is quite possible to take full advantage of the advantages of RV and 3D while preserving its health.
In summary: moderation, vigilance and information are the keys to an immersive and safe experience.
